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NSWBiologyQuick questions
Module 5: Heredity
Quick questions on Meiosis and gamete formation explained: HSC Biology Module 5
7short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is meiosis I (reductive division)?Show answer
Homologous chromosomes are separated.
What is meiosis II (equational division)?Show answer
Sister chromatids are separated, similar to mitosis but with haploid starting cells.
What is sources of genetic variation in meiosis?Show answer
1. Crossing over (Prophase I). Homologous chromosomes exchange segments, recombining maternal and paternal alleles. 2. Independent assortment (Metaphase I). Each homologous pair sorts independently.
What is how chromosome number is maintained?Show answer
In humans, somatic cells are diploid (2n = 46). Gametes are haploid (n = 23). At fertilisation, the haploid sperm and haploid egg fuse to form a diploid zygote (2n = 46).
What is confusing Meiosis I and II?Show answer
Meiosis I separates homologous pairs (reductive). Meiosis II separates sister chromatids (similar to mitosis). Both happen in sequence from the same starting cell.
What is forgetting independent assortment as a source of variation?Show answer
Many students mention crossing over but skip independent assortment. Top responses cover both.
What is mixing up haploid and diploid?Show answer
Haploid = n = 23 (gametes). Diploid = 2n = 46 (somatic cells in humans). Get this wrong and the whole answer collapses.
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